XC Racing Tyre Size

No one uses tyres for XC riding/racing???

I use 2.1" Continental Explorer Supersonic tyres for racing, they grip pretty well in all but the deepest mud and offer lots of traction on a wide variety of surfaces.

I race in the UK where races take place on anything from gravely fireroad to sandy singletrack, although the majority of the surfaces are usually quite ferny forest type tracks.

Depends on the make. My Tioga 1.9s are about the same size as my IRC 2.1s. These two work great for me.

i'm running on Panaracer's FireXCpro2.1's and they've done great so far. im in West Texas, so it's pretty much all Dry and Loose terrain with Cactus to fall off on...and the occasional waterhole to mud thru...

I'm running a Fire XC pro 2.1 on the back. I weigh 95kg and my regular route is over pretty rocky terrain, and since I upgraded from the IRC 1.9 I've had no pinch flats while still experiencing a nice plush ride at the back.

Guess it depends on your weight, the sort of terrain you ride and how hung-up you are about weight 🙂

PS: my front tyre is an IRC 1.9

only difference i could tell from switching from those stock tires i had, to the FireXCpro 2.1's, is that they're definately a bit heavier, but able to keep atleast some traction when on rocks and more wet conditions, prob not the best for racing tho.

I run 29" x 2.1. Less tires to choose from in this line plus the bike is just plain faster on the 29" wheels. Try a 29er, then your tires don't really matter. happy trails !

Ive started using the Geax Arrojos in 26 x 2.0 and they are pretty good.

I run a Conti Explorer UST 2.1 up front. The back depends on conditions. I have used Bontrager Revolt, Kenda Kharisma UST, Michelin Mosquito, and a Ritchey Zed Race. This year I will be running all UST tyres in the rear. The only tyre presently not made in a UST version is the Ritchey, which is actually my favorite.

i use kenda 1.95 and they're awesome, id advise you on getting something under 2.0 for better rolling ressistence and weight

i like average 2.0 - 2.1 sortof size (i say average because it depends what brand your talking about)

i use ritchey 2.25 i wanted 2.35 but they would rub on the chainstay if slightly off true. i'm at 280 lbs. and very agile on trails so i pretty much require a larger tire so i can ride comfortably at lower pressures. besides they are more stable and some depending on pressure and thread allow for racing withought too much ground snag + tubeless are lighter in weight and maintain a good consistency.😎

I use the Specialized Roll X Pro in a 26 x 2.0, fast rolling and plenty of traction for the xc trails here in Florida.

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Eddy Merckx
'04 GT Moto w/Z.1 air

it really depends on a few things

Trail Conditions, Wieght, and Rolling resistance:

...In Michigan we have sandy, and small rocky soil. THe moajority of our trails are hardpacked with a dusty surface or small gravely surface.

I really liked my WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4 tires. Yes they are bigger but the wt is the same as a 2.0 tire (so I didn't loose anything there). The tread is desined for all condtions and being wider (more air volume) they softened up the bumps a little, and handled great. The only downside was they larger tread added a minute amount of rolling resitance over my 2.1's. After a few weeks I didn't even notice this 🙄

I also use a larger tire, the Specialized Roller Pro in a 2.3 and alternate between these two depending on where I ride but the smaller tires are so much faster not only because of the width but also due to the thread count (tpi), the 60 tpi on the Roller Pro is no where near as fast as the 120 tpi found on the Roll-X Pro. They make a noticably faster and easier pedaling ride.

___________________
Eddy Merckx
'04 GT Moto w/Z.1 air

tommy d said:

I use the Specialized Roll X Pro in a 26 x 2.0, fast rolling and plenty of traction for the xc trails here in Florida.

___________________
Eddy Merckx
'04 GT Moto w/Z.1 air

I also live in FL (work in downtown St. Pete). I use the Hutchinson Scorpion in the front and the Hutchinson Python in the back. It's a pretty big tire (claimed 2.0, but it's bit).

Great in the sand, and I think it rolls pretty well.

other tires tried, Conti Explorer/Escape combo, Kenda Karma, Kenda Blue Groove, Python Front and Rear

For racing I use IRC Mythos with kevlar bead. 2.1 front and rear. I adjust psi according to terrain and wetness.